Experts say Budget will help young professionals who have lost jobs

The interim General Budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday morning may not have included screaming populist measures but it had a lot of hints for youngsters to smile about. The government, it seemed, was seriously concerned about the recession-hit young population and about students who want to study abroad. "Extraordinary situation merits extraordinary measures," said Mukherjee, as he read out his Budget speech at Lok Sabha.

"Though it's still too early to make a comment, my presumptions are that there will be a bailout package for young professionals who have lost their jobs in the private sector. The minister hinted at taking extraordinary measures. If we delve deeper into the Budget, we will surely find sops for those individuals who have been hit hard by the meltdown. This will please Delhiites," said Economist Dr Suvrokamal Dutta.

The minister also announced the setting up of six new Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) across the country. "The Budget seems student-friendly. It includes packages for higher and technical education. The government may also increase scholarships to boost foreign education. All this will make the Gen Next happier," said Dutta.


Saddi Dilli speaks

u00a0It won't help the 'aam admi'. It is more of a populist budget in the wake of general elections

- Gagandeep Singh, banker


The subsidies would surely help. But, the overall budget doesn't impress me much

- Abhimanyu Rajput, businessman


Three new IITs wouldu00a0 boost the education sector. It will help promote quality education

- Ankit Jain, businessman


We are in horticulture business. The enhanced allocation would help the sector grow

- Santosh Chauhan, housewife


It's good that petrol prices have gone down. It was a "godsend" for people like me

- Manoj Mehta, BPO employee


Education is becoming costlier day by day. The govt must work towards providing free education to all

- Avijeet Singh, IT professional


The govt is investing in the infrastructure. The rich-poor divide must be bridged

- Kapil Chauhan, businessman


It's great that price of cooking gas has gone down. I am happy as a housewife

- Vandana Mehta, export house employee


It's sad that the Railway Minister kept in mind the upper middle class only while reducing fares

- Kavita Mullick, teacher